A new Underbridge Unit was used to carry out inspections at Galloon Bridge in Lisnaskea, replacing traditional methods such as scaffolding which can cause disruption to road users and may have a negative impact on the surrounding environment.

The Underbridge Unit is essentially a truck-mounted mechanical walkway that is set up to allow access under and down the sides of structures such as bridges, viaducts or highway overpasses.

“Because it is mounted on a truck, you are also able to safely move it along the length of the bridge while carrying out your inspection. This means that one set up is all that is needed for each inspection. And because it can be mobilised and demobilised easily, it can move between various locations if more than one bridge inspection is needed,” said a spokeswoman for Height for Hire who own the Underbridge Unit.

Two expert operators were sent to set up and operate the unit, so that the local team could concentrate on the job at hand. This brand new underbridge unit is a Moog MBI 110-1,2/S and manufactured in Germany.

“Using this new unit saved time and money but also brought many benefits to the local community of Lisnaskea and its natural surroundings.

“The Underbridge Unit is quicker to set up than more traditional methods such as scaffolding, and allowed the team to work more efficiently, completing a six-week job in one week.

“This minimised the disruption to the local people in terms of road closures,” the Height for Hire spokeswoman explained.

Using the Underbridge Unit avoided the need to disturb the riverbed with scaffolding posts, ensuring a positive environmental result for the fish in the river and the birds from the nearby bird sanctuary on Galloon Island.